Student Spotlight

Four Northwest students selected as legislative interns

Four Northwest Missouri State University students will work alongside state representatives this spring and learn about Missouri government as part of the University's legislative internship program.

The internship program, which begins in early January and ends in May, annually sends Northwest students to Jefferson City to gain valuable experience in the legislative process and an understanding of how Missouri is governed.

Northwest’s 2014 legislative interns are Robert Amsden, a junior political science major from Liberty; Rasheedah Hasan, a sophomore psychology major from St. Louis; Quentin Klein, a senior political science major from Kansas City; and Heather Marsh, a senior political science major from Maryville.

Each intern is placed in the office of a state senator or state representative. The students track legislation, conduct research, attend committee hearings, assist with constituent issues and lead tours of the Capitol.

Amsden, who is assigned to State Rep. Sheila Solon, said his goals for the internship are to work with and meet as many influential people as he can.

“The opportunity I have to do the legislative internship will allow me to create networks with people that otherwise would not be available and will hopefully lead into a career path once I graduate,” Amsden said.

Klein’s goals for the internship are to gain insights into the lawmaking process and professional world. Klein, who will work in Rep. Jacob Hummel's office, plans to attend law school in the fall of 2014.

“This internship will be helpful when I pursue law school,” Klein said. “I also hope to be able to make valuable networking connections while spending time as a legislative intern.”

Marsh is assigned to Rep. Mike Thomson. She is eager to learn about the day-to-day process of the legislature.

“I am very excited to be selected as an intern and am looking forward to the opportunity,” she said. “I hope I will be able to use what I learn from the internship and apply it to avenues I will seek after graduation.”

Interns are selected based on grade-point average and interests. Candidates must write an essay addressing why they should be placed in the program and complete an interview with a panel that includes Dr. Daniel Smith, assistant professor of political science and co-director of the Missouri Legislative Internship Program; Rosalie Weathermon, career development coordinator; and Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Matt Baker. Selected students receive a $3,000 stipend.

Past interns have remained active in the halls of the capitol or gone on to successful careers in politics at all levels of government including public relations and law.